Chris Rock Files for Divorce

The legendary comedian splits from his wife of nearly 20 years.

After nearly two decades, Chris Rock is a single man again. The Top Five star and his wife Malaak Compton-Rock are divorcing after nearly 20 years together, they both confirm via statements.

"After much contemplation and 19 years of marriage, Chris and I have decided to go our separate ways," Compton-Rock, a philanthropist and founder of the nonprofit styleWorks, said in a statement Sunday. "Being fortunate enough to lead a life of service by working with those most vulnerable makes me well aware of life's blessings, even when faced with difficulties.

"While recognizing that this is a significant change, my children remain at the center of my life and their well-being is my top priority. It is in this spirit that I sincerely ask that their privacy and the privacy of our family be respected during this transition in our lives."

Rock's attorney, Robert S. Cohen, also confirmed the couple has split. "Chris Rock has filed for divorce from his wife, Malaak," Cohen said in a separate statement. "This is a personal matter and Chris requests privacy as he and Malaak work through this process and focus on their family.”

Rock, 49, and Compton-Rock, 45, married in 1996. They live in Alpine, New Jersey, with their two daughters together, Lola Simone, 12, and Zahra Savannah, 10. The couple have dodged rumors of marriage troubles — including one that claimed Rock had fathered another child out of wedlock — for years.

Click here to win a trip to the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration in Phoenix, AZ, plus 4 tickets to the Big Game.

BET.com is your #1 source for Black celebrity news, photos, exclusive videos and all the latest in the world of hip hop and R&B music.

COMMENTS

Subscribe to our Newsletter

By clicking submit, I consent to receiving BET Newsletters and other marketing emails. BET Newsletters are subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms
of Use. Users can unsubscribe at anytime. BET Newsletters are sent by BET Networks, 1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036. www.bet.com